The summer heat of the 2026 K League 1 season intensified on July 22 as FC Seoul delivered a commanding 3-1 victory over Pohang Steelers at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The result solidified Seoul’s position in the upper half of the table while handing Pohang a setback in their pursuit of continental qualification.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, FC Seoul imposed their rhythm, pressing high and disrupting Pohang’s build-up play. The home side’s aggressive approach paid off inside the opening 15 minutes when midfielder Lee Seung-woo latched onto a clever through ball from Park Ju-young and slotted past the goalkeeper. Seoul doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark as a corner kick fell to Kim Jin-ya, whose powerful header left the Steelers defense scrambling.

Pohang responded with increased urgency after the break. Their efforts were rewarded in the 58th minute when Song Min-kyu curled a free kick into the top corner, narrowing the deficit and injecting life into the away side. However, Seoul’s resilience proved decisive. In the 74th minute, a swift counter-attack ended with Park Dong-jin finishing from close range after a pinpoint cross from the right flank, restoring the two-goal cushion.

Key Moments

• 13' Goal – Lee Seung-woo – Cool finish after a patient build-up.
• 28' Goal – Kim Jin-ya – Dominant header from a corner.
• 58' Goal – Song Min-kyu – Superb free kick for Pohang.
• 74' Goal – Park Dong-jin – Clinical counter-attack finish.

Tactical Story

FC Seoul’s high press neutralized Pohang’s ability to play out from the back, forcing errors in dangerous areas. The home side’s midfield trio of Lee Seung-woo, Han Seung-gyu, and Yoon Jong-gyu controlled the tempo, while full-backs pushed forward to create overloads. Pohang struggled to contain Seoul’s width, particularly on the left flank where crosses caused constant danger. Despite a strong second-half spell, the Steelers lacked the cutting edge to complete a comeback.

Standout Players

• Lee Seung-woo (FC Seoul) – A goal and an assist, driving the attack.
• Kim Jin-ya (FC Seoul) – Solid defensively and a threat from set pieces.
• Song Min-kyu (Pohang) – The only bright spark for the visitors with a stunning free kick.

Table Impact

With the win, FC Seoul climbed to 4th place, keeping pace with the title contenders and boosting their AFC Champions League hopes. Pohang remain 6th, now three points adrift of the top five, needing a strong response in the coming weeks.